Lehman Hot Springs Explained

Lehman Hot Springs is a hot springs resort in Oregon. The hot springs were first used by Native Americans before being discovered by pioneer settlers. Lehman Hot Springs was founded as a resort in 1871. The springs are located along Oregon 244 east of Ukiah in the Blue Mountains at an elevation of 4300feet.

The family that owned Lehman for most of the 1900s repurchased the property in 2012, along with many facilities problems.[1] After extensive renovations Lehman Hot Springs is operating as a limited use facility for private organizations. It is not open to the public for daily swims. Lehman Hot Springs is the largest collection of natural hot spring pools in the Northwest.

Pendleton, Oregon photographer Walter S. Bowman captured images of bathers at the hot springs during the early 20th century including partygoers at a masquerade party.

History

First used by Indians and pioneer settlers, the springs produce water at 140F150F. The resort's swimming pools run 88F92F in the main pool and 100F106F in the small pools.[2]

The springs closed in 1975. In 1982 a renovation and redevelopment plan was launched.[3]

TSL Foundation, LLC purchased Lehman Hot Springs on July 19, 2012 and The Department of Environmental Quality removed the prior restrictions resulting from actions related to Patrick Lucas.

In 2013 Umatilla County Health Department licensed Lehman Hot Springs as a Limited Use pool and facility.

External links

45.1512°N -118.6603°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lehman Hot Springs Returns to Familiar Hands . January 19, 2013 . McMinnville News Register . 2016-08-01.
  2. News: Oregon a land dotted with inviting hot springs . March 29, 1990 . E-6 . The Bulletin . First used by American Indians and early settlers, the 140- to 150- degree mineral water comes from some of the oldest rock in the state. Located 16 miles east of Ukiah about 48 miles from La Grande or 68 miles from Pendleton, Lehman Hot Springs sports a swimming pool with water temperatures between 88 and 92 degrees in the main pool and 100- to 106-degrees in the smaller pools. . Bend, Oregon . 2016-08-01.
  3. News: Hot Springs restoration as resort set . The Bulletin . January 18, 1982 . Bend, Oregon . 2016-08-01.